Fabio Viviani's Balsamic and Gremolata Meatballs

These meatballs are tangy, healthy, and have a nice kick. They are perfect to pair with a light white wine for a good start to a saucy night! -Fabio Viviani

Balsamic and Gremolata Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs:

1 lb. ground beef

4 oz. ricotta cheese

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

Crushed red pepper

Salt and pepper

Gremolata:

1/2 cup flat leaf parsley

zest of 1 lemon

1 tbs. plain breadcrumbs

Balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the pound of ground beef with 4 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, salt and pepper and Â½ cup of breadcrumbs. If you like a little spice, add 1 tbsp of chili flakes in the mixture. With the help of a spoon or an ice cream scoop, shape the meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and space them evenly.

3. Place the baking sheet of meatballs into the warm oven and cook them for about 20 minutes; then let them rest for 5 minutes.

4. In the meantime, mix the fresh parsley with the lemon zest, salt and pepper, and 1 tbs. breadcrumbs.

5. Drizzle the meatballs with 2 tbsp of thick, aged balsamic vinegar and top with the gremolata (parsley and breadcrumb mixture).